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Dennis Board of Health adds trash affidavit for short‑term rentals, bars new septic installs during active sewer construction
Summary
The Dennis Board of Health voted unanimously to require short‑term rental operators to provide an affidavit confirming trash pickup and to adopt sewer connection rules that prevent new septic approvals in active sewer construction zones, with temporary relief and a 90‑day hookup requirement.
The Dennis Board of Health voted unanimously on July 8 to amend the town’s short‑term rental rules to require operators to provide an affidavit of compliance confirming trash pickup or disposal, and to adopt updated Sewer Connection Regulations that bar approval of new septic systems for properties located in an active sewer construction phase.
Committee member S2 moved the short‑term rental amendment to add “trash removal” language and an affidavit requirement; Committee member S3 seconded and the board approved the motion without public opposition. The amendment requires the operator to provide the town with an affidavit showing trash pickup or disposal from the dwelling.
On the Sewer Connection Regulations, the board added language that new septic systems will not be approved for properties in an active sewer construction phase. The measure allows property owners to be granted temporary relief to continue using an existing septic system provided they follow orders to pump and maintain that system until sewer service becomes available, and requires connection within 90 days of official notification of availability. Committee member S2 explained the intent was to avoid forcing homeowners to spend substantial sums on new systems when a sewer connection is imminent; members agreed and the regulation passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The short‑term rental affidavit creates a traceable, documentable requirement intended to streamline complaints about refuse at rental properties. The sewer regulation change is meant to limit redundant septic installations in neighborhoods where municipal sewer is being extended and to ensure timely connections when service becomes available.
What’s next: The board directed staff to incorporate the new affidavit language into the short‑term rental packet and to post the updated Sewer Connection Regulations; both items take effect according to the town’s regulatory posting procedures. The motions passed unanimously; the transcript records the votes as unanimous but does not list a numeric roll call.
